GOAL - ECO CORRIDOR

To create a Third ‘National Park’ — the bio-interconnecting eco-corridor: a temperate corridor for wildlife and ecology to connect the biology of the two great national parks and integrate with Kenya rivers and riparian eco corridors.

Wangari Maathai
WANGARI MAATHAI’S ENVIRONMENTAL LEGACY

“When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope.” — Prof. Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai championed the restoration of Kenya’s ecosystems through community action and environmental stewardship. Her Green Belt Movement empowered thousands to plant trees, protect watersheds, and sustain biodiversity.

The Eco Corridor vision echoes her life’s work — reconnecting the forests of Mt. Kenya and Aberdare into a living green belt that supports wildlife migration, rejuvenates rivers, and sustains the coexistence of people and nature.

ISSUES TO ADDRESS
Challenges we focus on
  • Poverty
  • Deforestation
  • Riparian degradation
  • Wildlife and ecosystem decline
ISSUES TO ACHIEVE

The ‘Invisible Nile’ initiative aims to restore water table retention and enhance tree transpiration rates into the clouds — a vital process that sustains Kenya’s hydrological balance.

It facilitates natural water transportation cycles from the Indian Ocean, replenishing inland rivers and restoring the water levels of Lakes Naivasha, Bogoria, Nakuru, and Victoria.

By cooling local micro-climates and increasing carbon capture within root systems underground, this effort strengthens ecosystems from the soil upward.

The vision also promotes Sustainable Eco-Nomic models that achieve Eco-Logical resilience — ensuring communities thrive while addressing the broader climate challenges.

PLAN - COMMUNITY AND KENYA PRIDE
  • Stage 1: Plant high canopy shade trees and ground cover to reduce evaporation.
  • Introduce EverGreen agri-forestry principles and productive shamba-scale farming.
  • Plant fertilizer, fruit, fuel and fodder trees for sustainable livelihoods.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
  • Employment: tree planting, beekeeping, tourism, corridor security.
  • Engage women, youth, elderly and self-help groups.
  • Apply EverGreening practices across buffer communities.
COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP
  • ‘Harambee’ ownership scheme for shared community stewardship of the corridor.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
  • Climate-smart education and attitude change programs.
  • Travelling education trailers, training centres, and practical demos.
  • Seed and seedling resource hubs — centres of knowledge and excellence.
BEE KEEPING
  • Training & hive equipment supply
  • Production collection co-operatives
  • Processing and marketing of bee products
FOREST PRODUCTS
  • Promotion of branded forest products: honey, medicinal products, dried flowers, beeswax, crafts.
  • Collective processing, packaging and global distribution through online marketplaces and commercial contracts.
APPROACH
  • Laikipia Environment & BioDiversity CBO collaborating with Zion Valley CBO
  • Integrated oversight with anti-corruption protocols
  • Satellite geospatial mapping and ground-level data collection with drone verification
  • Online accounting, phone app integration and blockchain-supported financial transparency
  • Full engagement of local self-help groups, women leaders and youth
  • Partnerships with forest, elephant & wildlife authorities and university research departments
  • Alignment with Wangari Maathai's vision — Women, Trees, Riparian restoration
ACTION

Our community-based agri-forestry projects have achieved significant results with limited resources. To scale and deepen impact we require initial support for organizational strengthening and project development.

FUNDING REQUEST
INITIAL SEED FUNDING REQUIRED
  • Refine organizational structures and IT systems
  • Engage consultants for expert guidance
  • Acquire essential geospatial & field data
  • Fund basic research necessary for project development
CALL TO ACTION

For too long we have struggled like seedlings in a dry desert. With your support we can provide the nutrients and structures needed for our CBO to flourish into a thriving, evergreen landscape. We are ready to evolve, partner and deliver measurable impact at scale.

Contact: info@ZionValleyCBO.org • www.ZionValleyCBO.org
RESEARCH - ECO MAP INSIGHTS

Our ecological mapping has revealed a fascinating interdependence between indigenous, drought-resistant trees and certain fruit-bearing species. When grown together, these trees create a balanced environment that attracts essential pollinators and sustains biodiversity — including a rare species of beetle vital for healthy soil and seed dispersal.

Beyond conservation, the Eco Corridor offers immense potential for eco-tourism and community engagement. Its scenic landscape, stretching from Mt. Kenya to the Aberdare, could serve as a natural route for international marathons and environmental awareness events — blending sport, culture, and sustainability.